WITH Hyundai currently third in Australia's automotive bestseller list, any all-new model is headline news.

The Elantra may not be the outright star nor top-seller in Hyundai's range, but the Korean company has nonetheless shifted more than 5600 of the compact sedans so far this year.

This sixth-generation Elantra (called Avante in Korea) has just been revealed in its country of birth, ready for its Australian launch in the first half of 2016.

It retains the recognisable and somewhat conservative styling of before, but Hyundai said the new Elantra's exterior design was a "sophisticated evolution" and its "large hexagonal grille is paired with slim and sporty headlights for an energetic look".

Dimensions are a tad larger with the new model 20mm longer and 25mm wider than the previous generation, resulting in interior space comparable to cars in the segment above, Hyundai claimed.

2016 Hyundai Elantra. Photo: Contributed

Convenience and safety features have also taken a leap forward with goodies such as Integrated Memory Seat and Smart Trunk (the boot automatically opening when the Smart key is in range) arriving in the new car.

On the protection front, a suite of safety technologies will include autonomous emergency braking, high beam assist, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

Hyundai has also said premium sounds come from a Harman audio system, but has not specified if this, or any of the aforementioned kit, will be standard throughout the new Elantra range, will be cost options, or only available the higher you move up the range.

Powertrains also remain a mystery for now, but we've been told the new Elantra will deliver enhanced performance over old, high fuel efficiency and the choice of an auto or manual gearbox.